OUR MISSION
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence (RICAGV) is a coalition of organizations, activists, advocates, educators, legislators, and community members who address gun violence as an urgent public health issue. Since 2013, RICAGV has utilized the collective power of its membership and grassroots organizing methods to advance programs and policies that will reduce gun violence resulting in safer, healthier Rhode Island communities.
Gov. McKee Signed the Safe Storage Bill!
After years of your advocacy and organizing, Rhode Island now has one of the strongest secure storage laws in the country. It is the ninth gun safety bill passed in the state since RICAGV was founded in 2013. A special thanks to bill sponsors and gun safety champions Senator Pam Lauria and Representative Justine Caldwell!
This is a strengthened version of Rhode Island’s previous firearm storage law, and requires all gun owners to securely store their guns when not in use, either in a safe or a container or with a safety device to prevent unauthorized access. It includes a gun safety education component which requires gun dealers to both post signs and give information to people who purchase guns about secure storage, suicide prevention, and Rhode Island’s gun safety laws. It also requires school districts to give information to students and their families.
Lives will be saved!
SECURE STORAGE PASSES SENATE!
On March 19th the Senate voted 28-7 in favor of secure storage. We are grateful for all of our volunteers, survivors and partners who made this happen. We are one step closer to a safer Rhode Island.
Now to the House!
Read all about it in our News Section.
Help us fight the pro-gun lobby at the State House!
Every dollar you give goes toward helping prevent gun violence in RI!
Highlights from the Blog
Assault Weapon Used in Attempted Murder of Providence Police Officer
Suspect was indicited in January 2022 for the incident last August.
Record Gun Deaths in 2021
RI is 8th highest state for percentage increase in NICS Checks in 2021 v 2019 comparison.
Two New Board Members for 2022
Welcome to Kristina Contreras Fox and Jessica Null to the Board of Directors.
Original Research: COVID Gun Surge Exposes Additional 11 Million Persons to Household Firearms
Figure includes 5 million children, according to the Dec. 2021 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Barrington School Shooting Threat
Threat written on wall in girls bathroom.
Providence Chief Clements on the Surge of Guns and Gun Violence in Providence
“We are seizing guns at high volume, record clips.”
The Rittenhouse Verdict
Made possible by permissive open-carry and stand your ground laws
School Shooting Threat in Coventry
Students endure 4 hour lockdown, no gun found.
New Board Members
Gem Barros, Cedric Huntley and Claire Phipps join the team!
Three Gun Safety Laws Signed in 2022!
Governor Dan McKee signed key reforms into law:
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Limiting magazines to 10 rounds
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Raising the age to buy long guns and ammunition from 18 to 21
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Prohibiting loaded long guns in public
Gun Safety Reform is Constitutional
In 2008, District of Columbia v. Heller affirmed:
“the [Second Amendment] right was not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
Please note, donations made online through our website are not tax deductible.